DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – A massive search and rescue operation is underway along Durban North Beach after a light aircraft performing in an airshow crashed into the ocean on Thursday afternoon, leaving the pilot missing.
The ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft went down at approximately 13:45 near the Suncoast Casino during its final display as part of an airshow at Virginia Airport. The event was being held alongside the prestigious Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, which concludes today at the Durban International Conference Centre.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that emergency teams are conducting an intensive search for the missing pilot, believed to be the sole occupant of the aerobatic aircraft.
“Paramedics are on the beach together with SAPS and Metro Police Search and Rescue as well as NSRI trying to locate the missing pilot,” Jamieson said.
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The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) has activated multiple specialised units for the operation, including SAPS and Metro Diving Units as well as National Sea Rescue Institute teams.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma was also present at the scene, monitoring the emergency response.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed the incident occurred just before 2 pm during the aircraft’s performance routine.
“It happened apparently when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea,” the aviation authority stated.
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The Extra 300 is a popular aerobatic aircraft commonly used in airshows worldwide.
The crash occurred during an airshow organised as part of activities surrounding the NGAP Global Summit 2025, which has been running from August 12-14. The summit, co-hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), focuses on developing future aviation talent under the theme “The Flight Plan for Future Aviation Talent.”
This is a developing story. Emergency services continue their search efforts as investigators work to understand what led to the crash during what should have been a routine aerobatic display.
More updates to follow as information becomes available.
